An Iraqi coup in the works?

Posted By Blake Hounshell Wednesday, August 18, 2010 - 9:21 AM Share

In a story about Iraq's unending political gridlock, Anthony Shadid buries the lede:

A leading politician related a recent conversation he had with a top Iraqi general. The politician asked about the possibility of a coup. The general, he said, deeming the talk serious, pulled out a map of the capital and provided a disconcertingly elaborate plan to execute one: overturning trucks to block the route from the main American base to the Green Zone, seizing television stations, besieging Parliament, and so on.

“When you’re president,” he quoted the general as asking, in utter seriousness, “can you make me minister of defense?”

In an earlier interview with the LA Times, former U.S. ambassador Ryan Crocker warned: "If the civilians continue to flail over the next three to four years, the chances of a military coup are likely to go up."

Perhaps we should adjust the timetable?

EXPLORE:IRAQ

(1)

HIDE COMMENTS LOGIN OR REGISTER REPORT ABUSE

KQUIGGLE

4:32 PM ET

August 19, 2010

Adjust the timetable how,

Adjust the timetable how, exactly?

Passport, FP’s flagship blog, brings you news and hidden angles on the biggest stories of the day, as well as insights and under-the-radar gems from around the world.